Hunting grounds dwindling in Frisco

Yet 50 percent of the land in Frisco is undeveloped, and hunting in the area remains popular, the sergeant said.

"Frisco grew up from a small community that always had space available to hunt," Merritt said. "Now that area is much smaller than it was."

Police officials warn developments will continue to change hunting areas throughout the hunting season. Dove season runs through Oct. 23, then again from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5.

Merritt said areas in the planning stages are taken off the hunting map, which means an area may be undeveloped but still might not be legal for hunting.

North Frisco is where most of the permitted hunting grounds are located. While the Brinkmann Ranch makes up a large portion of the land available for hunting on the east side of the city (northeast corner of Main Street and Preston), it is private land and can't be hunted on without permission from the landowner.

Hunters must obtain a property owner's permission to hunt even if land is permitted for hunting, Merritt said.

Hunters are obligated to ensure they are on a minimum of 10 acres, at least 1,000 feet from schools, hospitals and day care facilities. Hunters must also be at least 600 feet from residential housing and multi-family residential complexes.

Hunters are also expected to make sure bullets would not be "reasonably expected" to cross the hunting property boundary when fired, according to police department officials.

Police officials are urging residents to contact police if they think hunters are not following safe and reasonable distances.

Merritt said the police department does receive regular complaints about hunting. He said it is important for the hunters to be safe and mindful of their surroundings and for residents to be aware the state of Texas allows hunting within the city limits under certain guidelines.